Retractable key case

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a retractable key case enclosure for allowing access to at least one key and secured storage of at least one key. The retractable key enclosure of the present invention provides the user quick access to at least one key and provides a connection member for securing at least one key to the retractable key enclosure via a connection assembly. The retractable key enclosure preventing the loss of at least one key of the user by dropping the key or leaving the key within a lock. Next, a first opening and a cover member provide the user with a safe enclosed cavity to store at least one key when not in use. When retracted and not extended the retractable key enclosure provides a sleek and low-profile design for easy placement in areas with limited available space.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a retractable key case for key access and storage.

2. Description of Related Art

As well known in the art, building, vehicles, containers, storage compartments, and other areas are secured and access is prevented and blocked for unwanted users. Commonly, this prevention is done through the process of a key and a lock. A key is commonly an item of high importance to a user and is something that the user typically cannot afford to lose. Keychains, lanyards, strings, and many more commonly available devices are traditionally used to secure a key or a plurality of keys to a fixed location or the user's clothing. Problems arise when storing a key or keys in between use. Commonly, keys snag and bump into surrounding objects if left hanging from the body of the user. Secondly, if not connected to the user, keys are often lost when left in pockets of clothing or in locks. Traditionally, owners of keys have had to choose between easy access and enclosure storage. A solution is needed for easy access to at least one key that is connected to a fixed location and at the same time allows the user to enclose the key or plurality of keys within a case.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a retractable key case enclosure for allowing access to a key and secured storage of a key within an enclosed environment. The retractable key enclosure of the present invention provides the user quick access to at least one key and provides a connection member for securing at least one key to the retractable key enclosure, wherein the at least one key of the user cannot be lost by dropping the key or leaving the key within a lock. Next, a first opening and a cover member provide the user with a safe enclosed cavity to store at least one key when not in use. When retracted and not extended the retractable key enclosure provides a sleek and low-profile design for easy placement in areas with limited available space. The sleek and low-profile design also allow for the user to easily move the retractable key enclosure with minimal snagging on environmental objects.

In order to do so, a retractable key enclosure is provided having a main housing, and a first opening extending into the top surface of the main housing. The first opening is arranged to hold at least one key. Next, the retractable key enclosure includes a circular opening extending into the bottom surface of the main housing and a second opening extending through and connecting to the first opening and the circular opening. In some embodiments, a cover member is joined to the primary perimeter edge of the main housing. At least one key is returned to the first opening through the use of a connection assembly arranged within the circular opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures.

The novel features of the disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary isometric view of one embodiment of the retractable key case.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary isometric view of one embodiment of the retractable key case with the cover removed.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary isometric view of one embodiment of the retractable key case with the cover removed.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary isometric exploded view of one embodiment of the retractable key case.

FIG. 5A shows an exemplary left view of one embodiment of the retractable key case.

FIG. 5B shows an exemplary right view of one embodiment of the retractable key case.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary top view of one embodiment of the retractable key case.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary bottom view of one embodiment of the retractable key case.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary isometric view of one embodiment of the main housing of the retractable key case.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary isometric view of one embodiment of the main housing of the retractable key case.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary right view of one embodiment of the retractable key case with the ring member rotated about the hinge.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary isometric view of one embodiment of the main housing of the retractable key case.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary isometric view of one embodiment of the main housing of the retractable key case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the disclosure described herein may be employed in practicing the disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a retractable key enclosure 100 is provided for secure storage of at least one key 130. The retractable key enclosure includes a main housing 105 having a primary perimeter edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface. In one embodiment, a first opening 135 extends into the top surface of the main housing. The first opening is arranged to hold at least one key. In some embodiments, the first opening comprises a key-shaped indent (not shown) extending into the top surface of the main housing. In this embodiment, at least one key is adjoined to the key-shaped indent with a snap-fit (As shown in FIG. 11). In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the retractable key assembly is adjoined to a flat surface. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the retractable key assembly is adjoined to a face of a digital processing device. Examples of digital processing devices, by way of non-limiting example, include phones, tablets, and laptops.

In one embodiment, the retractable key enclosure further comprises a circular opening 200 (as shown in FIG. 8) extending into the bottom surface of the main housing and a second opening 195 extending through and connecting the first opening to the circular opening. The second opening 195 allows for a connection member 145 to pass from a connection assembly into the first opening and lastly to at least one key. In some embodiments, the connection member is at least one member of a connection set consisting of: a string, a cable, an elastic material, a chain, a rope, and a ribbon. In some embodiments, the top surface of the main housing is configured to form a shell 160 around the circular opening.

The retractable key enclosure further includes the connection assembly arranged within the circular opening. The connection assembly is used for assisting a user in returning the at least one key to the first opening. The user does so by pulling on at least one key away from a resting position within the first opening. The connection assembly includes the connection member which is joined to the connection assembly and joined to the at least one key. Next, a circular post 205 (as shown in FIG. 8) is located within the circular opening and extends away from the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the circular post includes at least one groove. In one embodiment, a spring member 165 is located within the circular opening and provides a radial force for pulling the connection member and the at least one key back to the resting position with the first opening. In some embodiments, the spring member includes a tag end. The tag end rests within the groove of the circular post and locks rotation of the spring member. Over the spring member, a spool 175 covers the spring member. In some embodiments, the spool further comprises a center hole 170 having a diameter larger than the circular post and uses the circular post as an axle for rotation. The connection member is wrapped around the spool and is pulled on and off the spool as the user pulls on or releases at least one key connected to the connection member.

In some embodiments, a second cover plate 180 is joined to the bottom surface of the main housing by a second plurality of fasteners 185, wherein the second cover plate holds the connection assembly within the circular opening. In some embodiments, the retractable key enclosure further comprises a ring member 120 having a hinge 121, wherein the ring member is joined to the top surface of the main housing. The ring member is free to rotate about the circular opening and articulate about the hinge. In some embodiments, a first cover plate 115 is joined to the top surface of the main housing by a first plurality of fasteners 155.

In some embodiments, a cover member 110 is joined to the primary perimeter edge of the main housing. In some embodiments, the cover member slides on and off the main housing and holds at least one key within the first opening. In some embodiments, the primary perimeter edge of the main housing further comprises a pair of receiving slots 140 and the cover member further comprises a first finger and a second finger, wherein each finger extends away from the cover member. In some embodiments, at least one finger of the cover member further comprises a “L-shaped” cross-sectional area. The “L-shaped” cross-sectional area of at least one finger of the cover member is configured to partially wrap around at least one of the pair of receiving slots. In other embodiments, the cover member is a permanent cover covering at least 10% of the first opening (As shown in FIG. 12). In an embodiment having a permanent cover at least one key is retained under the permanent cover. For example, the user may retrieve at least one key from the first opening and then return at least one key by placing a front portion of the key under the permanent cover and inside the first opening. In this embodiment, the permanent cover acts to create a large slot, wherein the front portion of at least one key may rest when not in use. In other embodiments, the first opening further comprises a key-shaped indent extending into the top surface of the main housing. At least one key is adjoined to the key-shaped indent with a snap-fit. The snap-fit, in turn, holds at least one key against the top surface of the main housing.

In some embodiments, the cover member is slide in a direction parallel to the pair of receiving slots. In some embodiments, the cover member is slide in a direction perpendicular to the pair of receiving slots. In some embodiments, the cover member is slide in a direction in any direction parallel to the plane of the top surface of the main body of the retractable key case.

In some embodiments, the connection member is at least one member of a connection set consisting of: a string, a cable, an elastic material, a chain, a rope, and a ribbon. In some embodiments, the connection member is further secured to at least one key by a connection point 150. In some embodiments, the connection point is at least one member of a securing set consisting of: a knot, a bead, a crimp, a weld, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a clamp, a spring, a split ring or any other known means of securing a key known to one skilled in the art.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6, and 7 illustrate an assembled exemplary retractable key enclosure. In some embodiments, the retractable key assembly is made of at least one material of a material set consisting of a ceramic material, a metal material, a wood material a plastic material, a fiber glass material, an acrylic material, a composite material, a thermoset plastic, a thermoplastic, a glass material, and a nylon material. In some embodiments, the cover member further comprises an external texture 125 to grip a hand of the user. In some embodiments, the main housing further comprises an external texture to grip a hand of the user. In some embodiments, the external texture further comprises at least one member of a texture set consisting of: indentations, extrusions, knurling, a rough surface, and bumps.

In some embodiments, the retractable key enclosure further comprises at least one member of an identification set consisting of: an alphanumeric identification, a human user's name, a symbolic shape, a company brand, a numeric identification number, a QR code, a barcode, and an RFID tag. In some embodiments, the retractable key enclosure is adapted for use with at least one key that is chosen from a key set consisting of: a lock key, a RFID tag, a plastic card, a tool and an identification article of the user.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the main housing with other components of the retractable key enclosure hidden from view. In FIG. 8, the circular post is shown having at least one groove and protruding out of the circular opening. In some embodiments, the second cover plate is recessed into the bottom surface of the main housing. In some embodiments, a first plurality of receiving holes are positioned on the bottom surface of the main housing and extend towards the top surface of the main housing in a perpendicular direction. In some embodiments, the first plurality of receiving holes is configured to receive the second plurality of fasteners.

FIG. 10 illustrates the ring member articulated about the hinge of the ring member. At least one finger of the user may be inserted through the ring member, therein allowing for control of the movement and position of the main housing. In some embodiments, when the retractable key enclosure is resting on a flat surface, the ring member is articulated to hold to main housing at a desired angle relative to a flat surface.

As used in this application, the term “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number.

As used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.

All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents, patent application publications, and non-patent literature documents or other source material, are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in the present application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference).

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to an amount that is near the stated amount by about 0%, 5%, or 10%, including increments therein.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specified function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6. In particular, any use of “step of” in the claims is not intended to invoke the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A retractable key enclosure for secure storage of at least one key, the retractable key enclosure comprising: a main housing having a primary perimeter edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a first opening extending into the top surface of the main housing, wherein the first opening is arranged to hold at least one key; a circular opening extending into the bottom surface of the main housing; a second opening extending through and connecting to the first opening and the circular opening; a cover member joined to the primary perimeter edge of the main housing, wherein the cover member holds the at least one key within the first opening; a connection assembly arranged within the circular opening for assisting a user in returning the at least one key to the first opening, the connection assembly comprising: a connection member joined to the connection assembly and joined to the at least one key; a spring member, located within the circular opening; a spool joined to the spring member, wherein the connection member is wrapped around the spool; and, a second cover plate joined to the bottom surface of the main housing by a second plurality of fasteners, wherein the second cover plate holds the connection assembly within the circular opening.
 2. The retractable key enclosure of claim 1, further comprising: a circular post located within the circular opening and extending away from the bottom surface and having a groove; wherein the spring member further comprises a tag end and the tag end rests within the groove of the circular post and locks rotation of the spring member.
 3. The retractable key enclosure of claim 1, further comprising: a ring member having a hinge, the ring member joined to the top surface of the main housing, wherein the ring member is free to rotate about the circular opening and articulate about the hinge; and, a first cover plate joined to the top surface of the main housing by a first plurality of fasteners.
 4. The retractable key enclosure of claim 1, wherein the cover member is a permanent cover covering at least 10% of the first opening, wherein the at least one key is retained under the permanent cover.
 5. The retractable key enclosure of claim 1, wherein the connection member is at least one member of a connection set consisting of: a string, a cable, an elastic material, a chain, a rope, and a ribbon.
 6. The retractable key enclosure of claim 1, wherein the primary perimeter edge of the main housing includes a pair of receiving slots and the cover member includes at least one finger extending away from the cover member, wherein the at least one finger is a first finger and a second finger.
 7. The retractable key enclosure of claim 6, wherein the at least one finger of the cover member comprises an “L-shaped” cross-sectional area.
 8. The retractable key enclosure of claim 7, wherein the “L-shaped” cross-sectional area of the at least one finger of the cover member is configured to partially wrap around at least one of the pair of receiving slots.
 9. The retractable key enclosure of claim 1, wherein the cover member includes an external texture to grip a hand of the user.
 10. The retractable key enclosure of claim 9, wherein the external texture comprises at least one member of a texture set consisting of: indentations, extrusions, knurling, a rough surface, and bumps.
 11. The retractable key enclosure of claim 1, wherein the retractable key enclosure comprises at least one member of an identification set consisting of: an alphanumeric identification, a human user's name, a symbolic shape, a company brand, a numeric identification number, a QR code, a barcode, and an RFID tag.
 12. The retractable key enclosure of claim 1, wherein at least one key is chosen from a key set consisting of: a lock key, a RFID tag, a plastic card, a tool and an identification article of the user.
 13. The retractable key enclosure of claim 1, wherein the cover member is moved is a direction parallel to a plane of the top surface of the main body.
 14. A retractable key enclosure for secure storage of at least one key, the retractable key enclosure comprising: a main housing having a primary perimeter edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a first opening extending into the top surface of the main housing, wherein the first opening is arranged to hold at least one key; a circular opening extending into the bottom surface of the main housing; a second opening extending through and connecting to the first opening and the circular opening; a connection assembly arranged within the circular opening for assisting a user in returning the at least one key to the first opening, the connection assembly comprising: a connection member joined to the connection assembly and joined to the at least one key; a circular post located within the circular opening and extending away from the bottom surface and having a groove; a spring member located within the circular opening and having a tag end, wherein the tag end rests within the groove of the circular post and locks rotation of the spring member; a spool joined to the spring member, wherein the connection member is wrapped around the spool; and, a second cover plate joined to the bottom surface of the main housing by a second plurality of fasteners, wherein the second cover plate holds the connection assembly within the circular opening.
 15. The retractable key enclosure of claim 14, wherein the first opening comprises a key-shaped indent extending into the top surface of the main housing, wherein at least one key is adjoined to the key-shaped indent with a snap-fit. 